Loan Wusheng

Chapter 211 Grand Commander, I want to be the emperor so badly, I dream about it all the time!
The elite cavalry of the Xiaoguo Army retreated northward like a tidal wave, their banners fluttering, their military bearing solemn, and their 100,000 heavily armored soldiers stretching out like a black dragon.

Zheng Jun sat in the carriage, pulled by the nine-headed demon-descended Ferghana horse, while Wei Quan personally drove the carriage for Zheng Jun, as they marched towards Xinyi County in the army.

All assets in Xuanling County have been emptied by the Xiaoguo Army. The withdrawal of troops now is also to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

At the same time, Zheng Jun's edict had been issued, and Lanzhou was on high alert. The people of Xinyi County were also being relocated to other counties. He planned to build Xinyi County into an impregnable fortress to prevent the entire population of Xinyi County from becoming refugees after the war broke out.

The pressure from the two Yuan Dan cultivators was still too great.

In addition, there is also the issue of how to resettle these central government officials.

"Minister of Revenue, Vice Minister of Rites, and Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate."

These three official positions left Zheng Jun somewhat at a loss for words. They were all considered important figures, and most importantly, all three were officials appointed by Emperor Shenwu while he was still alive, making them truly legitimate.

If they can become officials in an empire, then managing the state of Lanzhou should be no problem for them.

Liu Hu, the Minister of Revenue, and his wife Yan Congning are practically natives of Lanzhou, so they can be trusted to some extent and continue to be entrusted with Lanzhou's finances.

As for Zhou Mian, the Vice Minister of Rites, and Wang Ji, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, both of them are martial artists at the initial stage of the Qi Refining Realm, and they have never fought with anyone for many years. If the two of them want to cause trouble, Zheng Jun will naturally give them a taste of his iron fist.

Of course, if these two are sensible, they might be able to use their years of work experience to make a living in the central government agencies in Lanzhou.

The problem now is...

Upon realizing this, Zheng Jun looked at the three carriages behind him, his thoughts deep and complex.

However, at that moment, a blue streak of light flashed across the horizon, and in a few breaths, it landed in front of Zheng Jun's carriage, revealing its true form.

The visitor was none other than Liu Hu, the Minister of Revenue mentioned earlier.

After tidying himself up, Lord Liu appeared much more refined. He stood before the imperial carriage in a crimson official robe, the wide sleeves revealing the moon-white silk lining underneath.

His eyebrows, like silkworms, slanted upwards towards his temples; his phoenix eyes were like still waters in an ancient well; his nose was high and straight like a hanging gall bladder; and his lips were thin and pale. He looked quite like the image of a high-ranking official that Zheng Jun had in mind.

After landing, Liu Hu immediately bowed respectfully to Zheng Jun and said, "Grand Commander."

"What's the matter?"

Zheng Jun's voice came from inside the carriage.

"I have important matters to report, please allow me to come inside and discuss them in detail, Grand Commander," Liu Hu said respectfully.

Upon hearing Liu Hu's words, Zheng Jun couldn't help but smile slightly, feeling a strong sense of agreement.

The reason is simple.

Zheng Jun's official title was "Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs of Lanzhou," a third-rank official position, while the Minister of Revenue was a second-rank official. Although in this era of war, the military commander-in-chief who was in charge of a region naturally had more power than the Minister of Revenue, in terms of rank, the Minister of Revenue would never be a subordinate of the military commander-in-chief.

However, this Minister Liu referred to himself as "this humble official," which is enough to prove that he was quick-witted and had already come with the idea of ​​joining Zheng Jun.

As for Zhou Mian, the first Vice Minister of Rites to come to him, it's no wonder he was only a Vice Minister of Rites and couldn't be promoted to Minister.

Poor judgment.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun immediately nodded in the carriage and said, "Please invite Minister Liu inside for a chat."

Upon hearing Zheng Jun's words, Wei Quan immediately stopped his horse, lifted the carriage curtain, and said to Liu Hu, "Lord Liu, please."

"Thank you for your trouble, young general."

Liu Hu humbly cupped his hands to Wei Quan, then leaped onto the carriage. Once inside, he suddenly knelt before Zheng Jun, saying, "This humble official greets the Grand Commander!"

This scene immediately startled Zheng Jun.

But the next moment, Zheng Jun recovered his senses, smiled, stepped forward to help Liu Hu up, grasped Liu Hu's hand tightly, and said to Liu Hu, "Minister Liu, why do you have to perform such a grand ceremony? Please get up quickly."

This guy knows what he's doing.

The Minister is different; he has much greater political acumen than the Vice Minister.

If a new dynasty were to be established, he would undoubtedly have a place in it!

Zheng Jun smiled slightly, and then said, "Minister Liu, is there something important you want to discuss with me?"

"Indeed, there is something important to report to you, sir."

Liu Hu, ever quick to adapt, immediately changed his form of address and continued to bow respectfully, his voice low and sincere: "Your Excellency possesses great talent and strategic vision. In this world of strife and warlordism, Your Excellency is ultimately not of the Li bloodline. If you rashly assume power, you risk incurring a united attack from the surrounding lords. I dare to suggest that you emulate the ancient strategy of 'holding the emperor hostage to command the lords'?"

Upon hearing Liu Hu's words, Zheng Jun immediately smiled.

This is what he thinks too.

The previous explanation was somewhat far-fetched, but Zheng Jun now has three trump cards in his hand.

The Crown Prince Li Jing, the Imperial Grandson Chunsheng Marquis Li Feng, and the Prince Jing Prince Li Yue.

Seeing that Zheng Jun did not make any major moves, Liu Hu immediately realized that he was right. This "Grand Commander of Lanzhou" was indeed not a loyal and righteous person. He immediately said, "Grandson Li Jing is His Majesty's direct descendant, Prince Jing Li Yue has a reputation for virtue, and Marquis Chunsheng Li Feng is also a close relative of the imperial clan."

“These three are all under your control. If you choose one of them to be emperor, you can take control of the government in the name of regent, which will not only appease the people’s hearts, but also allow you to use the name of ‘punishing the rebels’ to conquer the disobedient.”

Seeing Zheng Jun lightly tap the table with his fingertips, Liu Hu immediately added, "The King of Qin colluded with evil spirits to attack and break through the capital, which has already aroused the wrath of both gods and men. If Your Excellency supports the new emperor, then the rightful ruler will be the one to follow! When the proclamation from Lanzhou arrives, righteous men from all over the world will surely gather to respond."

After saying that, Liu Hu suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Moreover... once the overall situation is stable, the practice of abdication has existed since ancient times."

"No need for polite formalities."

Zheng Jun waved his hand, too lazy to listen to such formalities, and said, "What bullshit orthodoxy? If orthodoxy were useful, would Emperor Yongchang have been besieged and killed?"

After saying that, Zheng Jun suddenly came to his senses and asked, "You know about the death of Emperor Yongchang, right?"

"Know."

Liu Hu immediately put on a miserable expression: "The late emperor left a life lamp in the imperial city. If it goes out, it means that Your Majesty has passed away or fled to the Central Plains. The Crown Prince will know this... A few days ago, the life lamp dimmed and went out completely after a few days."

"Whether he died or fled far away, the capital was left without help. Because of this, the Crown Prince summoned us important ministers for a meeting in a moment of desperation. The news spread from there, and many people in the capital began to have their own ideas, which led to the fall of the capital."

After hearing Liu Hu's words, Zheng Juncai finally grasped the meaning of the fall of Shenjing.

indeed.

Even with two Yuan Dan Martial Saints, Shenjing was the capital of three dynasties and five kingdoms, and was naturally indestructible. How could it be so easily conquered?

It seems there must have been an inside accomplice, and the attack was carried out by collusion between the inside and outside.

Zheng Jun nodded and continued, "In that case, tell me what would happen if I were to establish an emperor."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hu immediately straightened his back, his eyes gleaming, and his voice, though low, was firm and resolute: "My lord, forgive my bluntness, but whether or not this emperor is established, the Prince of Qin, the Prince of Zhao, the Prince of Wei, the Prince of Han, and other members of the Li clan will all see you as a thorn in their side! You have executed Fang Ji and Bi Fang, and now you have taken in the Crown Prince. In their eyes, you have long been a thorn that must be removed!"

"Moreover, how can the eight prefectures of Lanzhou be placed in your hands, my lord? In any case, the Prince of Qin will launch an attack against you. Moreover, you, my lord, are almost certain to be captured. The so-called surrender is a joke to the Li clan princes. There can only be one 'Lord of the World'!"

"But if a new emperor is established, the situation will be very different. First, the three military governors, Wu Liyang of Suzhou, Cai Kang of Bozhou, and Lu Zhenglin of Xuanzhou, have no blood ties with the Li family. They are currently holding back their troops simply because they lack a legitimate title. If Your Excellency is ordered by the Emperor to suppress the rebellion, they can then rightfully take sides!"

"Take Wu Liyang for example. Why didn't he take advantage of the situation to advance eastward after defeating the Western Di? Wasn't it because he was afraid of being branded a traitor? Besides, he was already at odds with the Prince of Zhao in Suzhou. If Your Excellency were to go there with an imperial edict bearing the imperial seal..."

Liu Hu suddenly made a gesture of encirclement: "In that case, Wu Liyang will not give up a legitimate opportunity, and he can also gain allies."

"According to my intelligence, this Military Governor Wu is probably someone who wants to unite the 'ruler of the world,' but he is currently being held back by the Prince of Zhao. If Your Excellency were to support a young emperor, those of different surnames who want to unite the 'ruler of the world' would probably all gladly agree!"

Why is it always the Li family who are causing trouble among the feudal lords of the world today? Don't the others want to unite as the 'ruler of the world'?

Of course not. Many Yuan Dan Martial Saints are waiting to become the Lord of the World, especially those in the North!
However, there are too many princes of the Li family now, and if one rashly steps forward, he might be suppressed and killed.

However, based on the fact that they are descendants of Emperor Yongchang and direct descendants of Emperor Shenwu, they would be very willing to support a puppet emperor, and under the orders of this puppet emperor, they would have an excuse to legitimately establish their own independent regime.

After saying that, Liu Hu continued, "Secondly, what is the point of establishing a government and a military headquarters? If Your Excellency were to become regent, you could assume all the central government and six ministries positions! This would naturally inspire your officials. Otherwise, Your Excellency could only appoint officials in Lanzhou, which is far too insignificant for a few martial artists who have reached the Qi Refining stage."

The autumn wind lifted the carriage curtain, revealing the carriage carrying the Crown Prince in the distance. This was clearly not the autumn wind, but rather the surging of Zheng Jun's true energy.

Upon witnessing this scene, Liu Hu immediately understood and said, "As for that young emperor... does Your Excellency fear that he might turn the tables? He is indeed remarkable for his young age to have reached the third level of the Outer Strength Realm, but compared to Your Excellency, he is just a child."

The grandson is indeed powerful; at only twenty years old, he has already reached the third level of the Outer Qi Realm.

It just needs to be opened up.

This talent is far superior to that of His Highness the Crown Prince.

Among the grandsons of Emperor Yongchang, this grandson was naturally one of the most outstanding.

but……

"You mean, should we make Li Jing the crown prince?" Zheng Jun asked.

Zheng Jun agreed with Liu Hu's suggestion.

I am here to contend for supremacy. My role models are Li Yuan, Cao Cao, and Erzhu Rong, not Sima Yi, Yang Jian, or Zhao Kuangyin.

Zheng Jun had no interest in seeking refuge with a prince of the Yuan Dan realm and then waiting for the right opportunity to seize power.

The before and after are completely different.

The former, though nominally a subject, had conquered the empire himself.

The latter refers to the power gained through usurpation after becoming a subject.

Zhao Kuangyin is a separate case. After all, when Zhao Kuangyin donned the yellow robe, he only conquered the Later Zhou dynasty; he was the one who pacified the other feudal lords.

Now, it's Zheng Junli's turn to become emperor.

only……

"Why do I seem to be behaving like Dong Zhuo?"

Zheng Jun had a strange thought in his mind.

Liu Hu, unaware of Zheng Jun's thoughts, smiled slightly and said, "My lord, the crown prince naturally cannot be established."

Liu Hu knew that Zheng Jun also did not want to establish this grandson as heir apparent.

However, whether to establish King Jing or Marquis Chunsheng is something that you, my lord, are probably still hesitating about.

Therefore, Liu Hu has come specifically to answer Zheng Jun's questions.

“Prince Jing, Li Yue, is thirty-five years old this year. He is the youngest son of the late emperor. His cultivation level is the third level of the Outer Gang Realm. Although his cultivation level is the same as that of the Crown Prince, Prince Jing’s cultivation level was achieved through the Initiation Ceremony. The probability of him breaking through to the Opening Aperture Realm in this lifetime is not entirely zero, but it is extremely low.”

Liu Hu said, "As for Chunsheng Hou Li Feng, he is only fourteen years old and his martial arts realm has just reached the Qi Accumulation Realm. He is young and ignorant and easy to control."

"The maternal family of Prince Jing is not prominent. He was born to a palace maid whom Emperor Yongchang favored while drunk. Marquis Chunsheng, Li Feng, was born to the powerful Kuai family of Chuzhou."

After saying that, Liu Hu did not say anything more.

He explained the situation, but the final decision on who to appoint depends on Zheng Jun's opinion.

Inside the carriage, the sound of Zheng Jun's fingertips lightly tapping the table abruptly stopped.

"Wei Quan," Zheng Jun suddenly lifted the carriage curtain, "Go and invite Marquis Chunsheng here."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hu immediately lowered his head and retreated to a corner, his crimson official robe almost blending into the shadows in the dark carriage.

"promise!"

Wei Quan agreed from outside, but a moment later, the sound of staggering footsteps could be heard outside the carriage.

Wei Quan half-supported, half-carried a thin boy in. The hem of his apricot-yellow python robe was covered in mud, making him look like a fledgling bird soaked by the rain.

As soon as Li Feng entered the carriage, he became somewhat nervous and bowed to Zheng Jun, saying, "Young...Young Master pays his respects to...Your Excellency..."

The fourteen-year-old marquis trembled violently, his face turned deathly pale, and he spoke haltingly.

"Looked up."

Zheng Jun's voice wasn't loud, but it startled the boy so much that he trembled violently.

Upon hearing Zheng Jun's words, the boy trembled even more, barely managing to lift his pale face, meekly and submissively.

Seeing this, Zheng Jun couldn't help but sigh.

He doesn't look like a ruler.

Of course, there is one more major issue.

His maternal clan was the powerful Kuai clan of Chuzhou.

The Kuai clan was a branch of the Chu royal family.

Establishing this person as an official will inevitably provoke some reactions from the King of Chu.

Forget it.

"Please go back and rest, Marquis Chunsheng."

Zheng Jun remained calm. After having Wei Quan send the person back, he said, "I would like to invite His Highness Prince Jing to come and see me again."

"Yes!"

Wei Quan accepted the order and left. Not long after, he brought Prince Jing, Li Yue, to the imperial carriage.

Prince Jing was dressed in a plain-colored python robe. Although he was over thirty years old, one could still see a resemblance to Emperor Yongchang in his features.

Unfortunately, Zheng Jun never met Emperor Yongchang.

As Prince Jing steadily boarded the carriage, he was immediately met with Zheng Jun's piercing gaze upon entering the cabin.

I immediately felt like I had a thorn in my side.

"This humble prince pays his respects to the Grand Commander."

King Jing immediately bowed and saluted, not daring to raise his head.

Zheng Jun didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Your Highness Prince Jing, if you were to become emperor, how would you govern the country?"

Upon hearing this, King Jing froze, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

But the next moment, without hesitation, he knelt down with a thud, his forehead pressed against the carriage floor, his voice trembling: "Xiao Wang... Xiao Wang..."

After speaking for a while, he couldn't find anything to say. He could only grit his teeth and say, "This humble prince is of mediocre talent, only knowing how to play and frolic. He understands nothing of governing a country, but..."

At this point, Prince Jing paused, then burst into tears and kowtowed to Zheng Junkuang, saying, "But I... I want to be emperor so badly, I dream about it all the time."

"If I become emperor, I will obey the Grand Commander in everything! Whatever the Grand Commander says, I will do without hesitation. The Grand Commander is like the sun in the sky!"

"I beg you, please don't go after my two nephews. My mother was a palace maid in the laundry department. I've suffered all kinds of cold looks since I was a child. Not a single official in the court respects me. I have no family to support, but they both do. They won't be so easy to control, Grand Commander! Please, just let me be the emperor!"

Prince Jing, Li Yue, was trembling all over—trembling with excitement.

He desperately wanted to be emperor; he didn't want to lose this opportunity!
If we miss this opportunity, we won't be able to become emperor, not even in our next life!
He was well aware that the Grand Commander had installed a puppet emperor.

But so what?
What's wrong with being a puppet emperor?
What's wrong with a puppet emperor?!

"I... no, if I am supported by Your Excellency to ascend the throne, I am willing to take Lanzhou as my base and regard Your Excellency as my adoptive father! I will leave all military and political affairs to Your Excellency's decision. I only ask to be a stable puppet and would never dare to have any disloyal thoughts!"

(End of this chapter)